Key Highlights
- Megan Barrientos advances past the second round of preliminaries at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
- Barrientos won the 2026 Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee hosted by UMES, earning a fully-sponsored trip to nationals.
- School officials emphasize the importance of preparation and dedication in her success.
The Rising Star: Megan Barrientos at the Scripps National Spelling Bee
Megan Barrientos, an eighth-grader from Wicomico Middle School, is making waves as a national speller. This year, she has advanced to the second round of preliminaries at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, tying for 41st place in last year’s semifinals.
Barrientos’ journey began with her victory at the Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). This regional win not only secured her a spot at nationals but also came with a fully-sponsored trip, making it her second year being sponsored by UMES.
The school’s director of public relations, Earl Hollins, is clearly proud: “The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is extremely proud of what Megan’s been able to do, especially the hard work that goes into it.”
According to Wicomico Middle School principal Jo Branham, Barrientos’ success is a result of dedicated preparation. “She puts in a lot of time and effort into the spelling bee,” said Branham. “Students don’t just study spelling; they also study the definitions of words.” This preparation isn’t limited to the stage of the competition but extends to other areas of her academic life: “How does that translate to her as just a human being? She realizes the importance of preparation not only for her classes but everything she does.”
Barrientos’ path to nationals is structured. Students must get through two preliminary rounds, first spelling a word aloud and then answering a multiple-choice vocabulary question.
Those who advance earn a spot in the Round Three written test, with the top scorers moving on to the quarterfinals. Barrientos has qualified for these quarterfinals, set to take place tomorrow.
Local support for Barrientos is evident. Her school and UMES are behind her every step of the way, underscoring the importance of community sponsorship in nurturing young talent. As she steps onto this national stage, Megan’s story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and preparation—lessons that extend beyond the spelling bee.
The Road to Nationals
Winning the regional spellings is just one part of the journey. Barrientos must navigate through two preliminary rounds: first by spelling a word aloud, then answering a multiple-choice vocabulary question. Those who advance face Round Three, which involves a written test. The top 100 scorers move on to the quarterfinals.
Barrientos’ preparation is key. “Some people just think they can get up there and spell these words without even thinking,” said Branham. “She puts in a lot of time and effort into it.” This dedication isn’t just about winning; it’s about understanding the depth of the words she spells.
Lessons Beyond Spelling
Barrientos’ journey is more than a spelling bee win. It’s a lesson in preparation, hard work, and determination. “How does that translate to her as just a human being?” said Branham. “She realizes the importance of preparation not only for her classes but everything she does.” This holistic approach is crucial, showing how success on one stage can impact all areas of life.
Barrientos’ story is about more than spelling bees; it’s about the value of education and community support in nurturing young talent. As she moves forward, Megan’s journey serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication pay off—regardless of where your path may lead.